A message from Cllr Sarah Warren, Deputy Leader of Bath & North East Somerset CouncilThere is much to unpack from the Chancellor’s budget announcement yesterday and we are yet to see the detail to understand the impact it will have on council services. Councils are a key partner for Government in delivering its objectives and we need financial stability to plan and improve the vital services we deliver. One of the decisions widely reported ahead of the budget was the cap on single bus fares rising by 50 per cent to £3 which will have an impact on all our residents particularly those in rural areas reliant on bus services. I will be raising this with the West of England Mayor Dan Norris who has responsibility for improving transport, including buses, trains, walking and cycling, in our region. Across Bath and North East Somerset there are many people who work tirelessly to make life better for others in their community and who often go unrecognised. We have launched the annual B&NES Community Awards which acknowledge volunteers, carers, charities, or employees who make exceptional contributions to their communities. This year’s awards have nine categories, with three of those to be decided by public vote. Please visit the council website and if you know someone who deserves an award please nominate them. This week is Care Leavers’ Week and young adults in our area, who have experienced being in care and living away from their parents, adopted a tree in Pigeon Park in Bath as well as hanging written messages about their experiences. The council currently supports 130 care leavers who are allocated to a personal advisor, a further 80 people aged between 21 and 25 can ask for help at any time and the door is always open for care leavers aged over 25 to call the team and share their news. If you are near the park please go and take a look – each message serves as a beacon of positivity. Today and over the weekend people will be celebrating Diwali, Halloween and Bonfire Night. We are encouraging everyone to think of the whole community as well as pets and animals when deciding how to celebrate. Please consider attending an organised display to keep yourself and others safe. Wishing a happy Diwali to all residents who are celebrating the festival of lights. Have a good weekend. | 
